Edison police offer holiday safety tips

The Edison Police Department offers the following holiday shopping safety tips:

• Avoid shopping alone – shop with a friend or family member.

• Wear a purse strapped across your body. Don’t carry your wallet in a loose jacket or loose pocket.

• Keep an eye on cash and credit cards. When possible, carry only one or two credit cards, and never carry or display large amounts of cash.

• Keep your hands free, and avoid car­rying an excessive number of packages.

• Park in well-lit areas when shopping at night.

• Always lock your vehicle, and keep valuables and packages out of sight in the trunk, never on a seat or in a glove box.

• Have your vehicle key in hand and ready when walking to your car.

• Scan the area surrounding your ve­hicle, both when you park and when you return to your vehicle. Visually check the back seat of your vehicle before opening the door and getting in.

• Stay alert, and be aware of what’s go­ing on around you.

• Immediately report suspicious per­sons and activities to the police.

• Please drive safely during the busy holiday season, and remember to buckle up.

The department’s nonemergency phone number is (732) 248-7400.